BYD is poised to shake up the Australian electric vehicle market with the imminent arrival of the Sealion 7, an all-electric SUV strategically positioned to challenge the dominance of the Tesla Model Y. With a starting price below $60,000, the Sealion 7 aims to become BYD's flagship model in Australia, surpassing the sales figures of its current bestsellers, the Seal and Atto 3, which achieved 6,393 and 5,751 sales respectively in 2024.
While the Sealion 7 is expected to make a significant impact, BYD Australia's CEO, David Smitherman, anticipates that the Shark 6 plug-in hybrid will likely remain the brand's top seller. The Shark 6 has already garnered significant interest, with over 5,000 orders placed since its launch in October 2024, even before the first customer deliveries commence later this month. Furthermore, the Sealion 6 PHEV, which achieved impressive sales figures of 6,198 units in 2024, solidifying its position as Australia's best-selling plug-in model, may also continue to outsell its fully electric counterpart.
The Sealion 7's sub-$60,000 price point is not unexpected, aligning closely with the pricing of the Seal Premium in the UK, which translates to approximately $58,798 before on-road costs in Australia. Two trim levels are expected to be available: the more affordable Premium and the high-performance Performance variant. The Performance model boasts impressive acceleration, capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 4.5 seconds.
BYD has confirmed a driving range exceeding 500 kilometers for the Sealion 7, powered by an 82.5 kWh battery pack. However, Australian buyers will not have access to the larger 91.3 kWh battery option available in other markets.
Safety features are a priority, with the Sealion 7 equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assist, and a surround-view monitor. Premium features such as nappa leather seats and a panoramic sunroof further enhance the vehicle's appeal.
Four captivating exterior colors will be available: Cosmos Black, Atlantis Grey, Shark Grey, and Aurora White. Prospective buyers can now express their interest in the Sealion 7 through BYD's official website.
While the Sealion 7 faces stiff competition from established players like the Tesla Model Y (starting from $55,900) and the Kia EV5 (from $56,770), its competitive pricing and impressive features position it as a strong contender in the burgeoning electric SUV market. The Leapmotor C10, with its more aggressive starting price of $45,888, presents a significant challenge, however.
Full pricing and specifications for the Australian market are expected to be released closer to the Sealion 7's official launch date in mid-February, providing potential buyers with all the necessary information to make an informed decision.